Gjenge- Plastic Waste Bricks

Gjenge Makers Limited

Gjenge- Plastic Waste Bricks

We turn plastic waste into durable, sustainable and affordable Paving blocks

Nairobi, Kenya

KEN

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

We address two major challenges: plastic waste pollution and the shortage of affordable building materials. The biggest cost implications in a construction project when you have deducted the cost of land is the cost of building materials. Furthermore, in Nairobi alone, an estimated 500 metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated in a single day and only a fraction of this is recycled. Thus, we decided to use this problem of single use plastic waste as a catalyst and formulate a solution to this problem by creating a sustainable and affordable alternative building material. It is from this inspiration that we fashioned our first product line of plastic pavers, that besides being durable are also very affordable. These pavers are lighter, cheaper, and more resilient than traditional concrete, making them ideal for sidewalks, driveways, and other construction projects. We not only reduce environmental waste but also promote sustainable construction and create green jobs, especially for women and youth, driving social and environmental impact simultaneously.

Here's a link to the production process video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87eliR_eJGs

Our solution primarily serves urban populations affected by plastic pollution, as well as unemployed youth and women seeking meaningful work opportunities. Cities across Kenya and other regions face growing plastic waste problems, with non-recyclable plastics piling up in landfills and public spaces. We address this by turning plastic waste into durable paving bricks, helping reduce environmental pollution and improve sanitation in urban areas. At the same time, we create jobs throughout the process—from collecting and sorting plastic to manufacturing and distributing pavers. This provides stable employment and skills development for youth and women, empowering them with income and professional growth in a green industry.